Pune Metro to Run Trains Every 5 Minutes to Ease Commuter Rush and Reduce Wait Times Both on Purple and Aqua Lines
Pune, 10th July 2025 – In a major relief for daily commuters, the Pune Metro is set to reduce train intervals to just five minutes on both the Vanaz–Ramwadi and PCMC–Swargate routes. The move comes as ridership hits record highs, with over 52 lakh passengers using the Metro in June alone—the highest since its launch.
Why the Change?
Currently, trains run every seven minutes during peak hours and 10 minutes during off-peak times. However, with stations getting increasingly crowded—especially during rush hours—passengers have been demanding more frequent services. The upcoming Ganeshotsav festival, known for swelling commuter numbers, has also accelerated the decision.
A Maha Metro official said, “We are in the final stages of planning to reduce intervals to five minutes. The system is technically capable, and operations are being adjusted accordingly.”
Rising Ridership & Monsoon Woes
The Metro’s popularity has surged, with daily ridership now averaging 1.75 lakh passengers, up from 1.5 lakh a few months ago. Commuters cite heavy monsoon rains and worsening road traffic as key reasons for switching to Metro travel.
“Traffic jams and flooded roads make the Metro the only reliable option,” said a regular passenger from Kothrud.
Future Expansion: More Coaches on the Horizon?
While the focus is currently on increasing frequency, officials confirmed that platforms are already built to support six-coach trains—though the existing rakes have only three coaches. “Expansion is possible, but we’re prioritizing frequency first,” an official stated.
During the Palkhi festival, the Metro successfully operated at five-minute intervals, proving the system’s capability. With Ganeshotsav around the corner, the new schedule is expected to roll out soon.
What’s Next?
- Five-minute frequency to be implemented in coming months.
- Six-coach expansion under consideration, pending demand.
- Record ridership likely to climb further during festivals.
For Pune’s Metro commuters, smoother and faster rides are just around the corner!
